ARTICLE IN PRESS
H. Huang, G.J. Tallents / Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy & Radiative Transfer 102 (2006) 425–431
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The value of g (see Eq. (9)) needed to modify the Linford formula for a Lorentzian gain profile is shown in
Fig. 6. At small G(0)L the Linford formula is a good approximation, but at large G(0)L the value of g
pffiffiffi
approaches 1= p ꢄ 0:565 [2]. For experiments where G(0)L45, it seems best to use the Linford formula with
pffiffiffi
g ꢄ 1= p for Lorentzian gain profiles. For G(0)Lo5, Fig. 6 could be employed or Eq. (14) evaluated to
deduce g.
4. Conclusion
The accuracy of the Linford formula used to evaluate the output of amplified spontaneous lasers such as X-
ray lasers has been evaluated for Gaussian and Lorentzian gain profiles. The Linford formula is accurate to
better than 10% for intensities produced by a Gaussian gain profile, but requires multiplication by a
pffiffiffi
correction factor of 1= p at gain length product greater than 5 for Lorentzian gain profiles.
Acknowledgement
Funding has been provided by the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council.
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